Stupid mofo ratchet mechanism

[spikes]

Does anybody else have troubles with the NA handbrake ratchet mechanism? When I go to release it, it will sometimes jam and lock up, and not let me disengage the handbrake. I then will have to lift the handle up to disengage it again, push the button all the way in again and violently wiggle for it to free and disengage.

Obviously the ratchet is effed, and so I went to replace the whole handbrake mech with a used one where the PO said it was in good condition. But its just doing the same thing. Is this a normal thing or do I just have bad luck?

Its a bit sketchy when pulling handbrake turns, then accelerating out and not being able to disengage it

[sailaholic]

Yup have the same issue, I've just assumed it needs more grease, though I have noticed that some times the button starts and finishes further out in the handle. When its further out it never jams.

It never jams if you hold the button in though, so hb turns shouldn't be an issue because you never let the ratchet lock?

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[93_Clubman]

Sounds like it might also be the cable that's sticking or caliper slider pins that need greasing or some corrosion in the caliper itself, both of which are common on NAs: viewtopic.php?f=30&t=45902

[sailaholic]

Mine is definitely the ratchet mechanism as all you need to do is pull the Handel up and jiggle the button.

No issues ones you get the handle to drop.

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[spikes]

Very well worded sailaholic, well at least I'm not the only one.

[mazdatenfive]

I have a handbrake lever.

MX-5 HandBrake Lever.JPG

[TonyMax]

I was told some time ago, can't remember by who, to hold the button in when pulling the handbrake up while parking, and then let it out when you want it to lock. What this does is not drag the ratchet pin up over the teeth when you're putting it on. It also makes pulling on the handbrake quieter.

Not sure if it has any effect on not wearing the teeth (I think I was told this in the context of some horror story about the handbrake not holding because the teeth were worn).

In my old rally car I had an R clip which I could put in the mechanism turning the handbrake into a fly off type, although there have been other people who have dríven self tappers into the button while it was held down and that's worked for them.

A little off topic but that's my 2c worth. That and if you're doing handbrakies you should be holding the button in the whole time and once the back starts sliding sideways you might as well let it off then because it's not doing anything.

[manga_blue]

Defensive driving schools often teach you to pull the handbrake up with the button depressed. Two reasons:
1. Otherwise you slowly wear out the ratchet mechanism and then one day years later the handbrake lets go when it's parked on a hill.
2. The bits of metal that get dragged off the ratchet make it harder and harder to use the button and you have to jiggle it up and down to make it release.

Clean and grease the ratchet and button surfaces.

[PaulF]

I've always pulled up the handbrake with the button in, just so it doesn't go KKKKKKKKKKK every time I do it. I guess now I just have more reason to do so.

[GP]

I remember this being one of the first things my instructor told me in 1977. The other was when turning on to a multi lane road you must not cross to the outside lane, Seems like no one obeys this one

[PaulF]

I remember this being one of the first things my instructor told me in 1977. The other was when turning on to a multi lane road you must not cross to the outside lane, Seems like no one obeys this one

That's because it isn't taught anymore. At least that's not what my professional instructor told me. "If there's only one lane turning onto a multi-lane road you can turn into either lane." I was, however, told that you should wait until both lanes are clear before turning.

Anyway, that's a bit OT.